Hitchcock’s Michael Sam makes NFL history in seventh round with Rams

Michael Sam, a lightly recruited prospect out of Hitchcock, became a force at Missouri before becoming the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)

For more than seven hours Saturday, the third and final day of the NFL draft, Michael Sam still had not heard his name called.

Finally, with eight picks left, the phone rang.

Sam, who played at Hitchcock and was an All-American defensive end at Missouri, answered and immediately began sobbing.

The St. Louis Rams used one of its compensatory picks – No. 249 of 256 – in the seventh round to take Sam, making him the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL draft.

Overcome with emotion, Sam bent over, with his hands on his legs, for a few moments. Tears began to stream down his face, his eyes turning red. Then he stood up to give his boyfriend a big hug and three kisses in a private, yet historic, moment that was captured by ESPN and the NFL Network for a national television audience.

“I’ve been waiting three days,” Sam said in a post-draft press conference. “I think you’d be emotional yourself.”

On Feb. 9 in interviews with ESPN and The New York Times, Sam announced: “I’m not afraid to tell the world who I am. I’m Michael Sam: I’m a college graduate. I’m African American, and I’m gay.”

The announcement sparked more than three months of debate whether the NFL was ready to admit an openly gay player. Then there were the on-field questions whether Sam’s size and speed could successfully transition to the next level.

As a senior, Sam posted 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss to earn Southeastern Conference co-defensive player of the year. His stock slipped following a poor performance at the NFL scouting combine, leaving most experts to project Sam as a late-round selection or possible undrafted free agent.

“From last season alone, I should’ve been in the first three rounds,” Sam said.

As name after name was called during the NFL draft, some from tiny schools and far less fanfare, Sam never wavered on his dream to be known not for being gay, but as “a football player in the NFL.”

“I knew I was going to get picked somewhere,” said Sam, who watched the draft in San Diego. “Every team that passed me, I was thinking how I’m going to sack their quarterback.”

Across the country, Mike Kensil, the NFL’s vice president of game operations, walked to the podium at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

“The St. Louis Rams select … Michael Sam,” Kensil announced.

Coach Jeff Fisher said he was surprised Sam was still available that late in the draft.

“He’s a football player with ability you just can’t pass up,” Fisher said.

Fisher called the selection of Sam “the second historic moment” in the history of the Rams, noting the Rams were the first NFL team to sign an African-American player, Kenny Washington, in 1946.

“In a world of diversity we live in now, it’s an honor to be a part of this,” Fisher said.

Fisher said Sam going to a team close to the Missouri campus in Columbia, about two hours from St. Louis, should help with the transition. Fisher also plans to discuss Sam to the team’s veteran players.

“If there is an issue there, I will address it as it would relate to any other form of discrimination,” Fisher said.

Asked about Sam’s chances of making the Rams, who features one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, Fisher said: “It’s going to be very competitive for him, as it will be for some of the later picks.”

Reaction to Sam being drafted was met with applause, everywhere from Hitchcock to former players, opposing teams and those in his own locker room.

Even President Barack Obama weighed in on the monumental event via a statement released by the White House.

“The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward today in our nation’s journey. From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are.”

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
College career: He had 47 sacks in three seasons for the Gamecocks, with 13 of them coming during his sophomore season, after which he was being widely labeled the likely first overall pick for 2014. He also got in on 24 tackles for losses that year. He dropped off dramatically last fall (three sacks, 111/2 tackles for losses), and speculation became rampant that he wasn’t going all out to protect his draft status/earning potential. He was slowed by a stomach virus, endured a painful bone spur in his foot and also had a rib-cage injury. Coach Steve Spurrier appeared caught off guard when it was decided at the last minute that Clowney would not play against Kentucky, and the coach-player relationship appeared strained. But after Clowney’s combine results dazzled, the tarnish pretty much disappeared. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
College career: He had 47 sacks in three seasons for the Gamecocks, with 13 of them coming during his ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Strengths: You name it. He is big, strong, fast (4.51 in the 40), agile, explosive and flexible enough to dip around the tackle, then turn the corner and barrel in on the suddenly defenseless QB. Did we forget anything? His initial burst off the snap causes jaws to drop, and he has a full range of feints and spins. Scouts love his swim move for rushing up the gut, too. He showed excellent vision and instincts, and when he was going full bore, his closing speed was phenomenal. It had a lot to do with why he separated ball carriers from the ball eight times his first two seasons. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Strengths: You name it. He is big, strong, fast (4.51 in the 40), agile, explosive and flexible enough to ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses: While his unusually long legs make him vulnerable to cut blocks, his athleticism made it difficult for offensive linemen to get in position to successfully deliver their blocks. He has some J.J. Watt in him when it comes to timing his jumps to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage, but he lacks the soft hands to turn deflections into interceptions. Occasional in-game lapses, particularly last season, caused worries about his concentration and conditioning. He is thought to be a less-than-perfect fit at outside linebacker in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 set because, having played end, he can get lost in coverage. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses: While his unusually long legs make him vulnerable to cut blocks, his athleticism made it ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
How will he be used this season? Although a slightly less imposing physical specimen than Mario Williams, the Texans’ and the NFL’s top overall choice in 2006, Clowney is a more finished product and should be able to handle more force-feeding from the outset. Still, look for Crennel to find ways to exploit Clowney’s once-in-a-generation pass-rushing gifts rather than asking him to be an all-around, every-down force as a rookie. While he will be more than a situation player, he definitely will get showcased in situations when he can wreak the most havoc. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
How will he be used this season? Although a slightly less imposing physical specimen than Mario Williams, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started every game he played in college, 20 at left guard and 20 at left tackle. He was the best player on a very good offensive line last season as the 10-3 Bruins averaged 37 points and 448 yards per game. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started every game he played in college, 20 at left guard and 20 at left tackle. He was ... more

Photo: William Mancebo / Getty Images

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<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – The highest-rated guard in the draft, he ran a 4.97 in the 40 in his pro-day workout, not too shabby for a 300-pounder. He’s super-strong in the upper body with excellence balance and flexible hips, allowing him to move well laterally in passing situations. The same internal strengths that made him an Eagle Scout as a kid have stayed with him. He kills himself in the weight room. At 23, he’s also more mature than most rookies, having spent two years doing Mormon mission work. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – The highest-rated guard in the draft, he ran a 4.97 in the 40 in his pro-day workout, not too ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He sometimes trusts his instincts too much and gets out of position. He doesn’t always come off the ball quickly enough on running plays. Some think he needs to be a little more hard-nosed and driven to fully live up to his potential in the NFL. His fundamentals need fine-tuning to cope with the problems pro D-linemen present. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He was drafted to replace Wade Smith at left guard. Smith has started the last 64 games there but won’t be re-signed. Because the Texans will rely on their running game more than most teams with Arian Foster’s presumed healthy return and because the quarterback situation is in flux, Su’a Filo needs to be an instant-impact player. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He was drafted to replace Wade Smith at left guard. Smith has started the ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
College career – Arguably under-utilized as a Hawkeye, he caught 95 passes, 10 for touchdowns, over three seasons while averaging about 10 yards per reception. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
College career – Arguably under-utilized as a Hawkeye, he caught 95 passes, 10 for touchdowns, over three ... more

Photo: Matthew Holst / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He has excellent “straight-line” speed for a man of his size and he takes his blocking duties seriously. Given his size and leg strength, even NFL corners and safeties won’t enjoy trying to tackle him. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He has excellent “straight-line” speed for a man of his size and he takes his blocking duties ... more

Photo: Matthew Holst / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He has problems getting separation and, despite having good hands, he’s surprisingly prone to dropping easy passes. He didn’t instinctively find his way back to the ball when his quarterback was scrambling. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be asked to play a key role in short-yardage and clock-killing situations, when the Texans need an extra big-body blocker. Given their presumed run-first orientation, he’s a smarter pick for them than he would have been for many other teams. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be asked to play a key role in short-yardage and clock-killing ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started 11 games each season as a sophomore and junior, making a combined 95 tackles, but played in only seven as a senior, with 27 tackles, after suffering a torn meniscus that required surgery. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started 11 games each season as a sophomore and junior, making a combined 95 tackles, but ... more

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – Projected as a first-round pick (some thought he might go as high as No. 10 to the Titans) because nobody has ever looked more like the prototypic 21st century nose tackle, he stubbornly occupies a lot of space in the center of the scrum, showing remarkably explosiveness off the ball and agility for a man of his girth. He uses his strong hands well, has an eye for the ball and he plays hard with a sometimes angry edge. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He was overweight to start the season last fall, then got hurt, which could hinder his chances of contributing for the Texans straight away. He struggled with double teams in college, which doesn’t bode well for his handling same at the pro level. He sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him, which will attract undue attention from NFL officials. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He was overweight to start the season last fall, then got hurt, which could hinder his chances of ... more

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Earl Mitchell gone, nose tackle is wide open. The Texans signed Jerrell Powe, who played for Romeo Crennel in Kansas City, for insurance, but Nix should be their guy in the middle for years to come, even if he doesn’t establish himself immediately. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Earl Mitchell gone, nose tackle is wide open. The Texans signed Jerrell ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
College career – Highly recruited out of high school, he earned the starting job as a true freshman for Greg Schiano on a Rutgers team that won nine games. But he lost same after suffering a hand injury as a sophomore and transferred to Arizona, where he never played for Rich Rodriguez, before transferring again to Pitt. A senior co-captain for the Panthers, he threw for 24 touchdowns – completing 61.2 percent of his passes – and scored three himself. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
College career – Highly recruited out of high school, he earned the starting job as a true freshman for Greg Schiano ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He looks the part of an NFL quarterback with broad shoulders and a pretty good arm, if not quite a cannon. He also throws a pretty ball, with a nice, tight spiral. He earned a reputation for physical and mental toughness, particularly when he’s under fire in the pocket. At 24, he’s mature for a rookie. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He looks the part of an NFL quarterback with broad shoulders and a pretty good arm, if not quite a ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – In part because of his hard-nosed approach, he tends to be injury prone, getting sidelined twice last season with a concussion and a rib injury. Although he hangs in well against pressure, he struggles eluding the rush and his decision-making needs improvement. He forces ball where they shouldn’t go, and he struggles reading defenses. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – In part because of his hard-nosed approach, he tends to be injury prone, getting sidelined twice last ... more

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – It’s hard to fathom him stepping in and starting straight away, so Ryan Fitzpatrick and Case Keenum will likely duke it out while he learns in the background. Hopefully, he’ll be a sponge. Bill O’Brien’s reputation as a quarterback guru will be put to the test, but he’s got excellent raw material to work with Savage, it would seem. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – It’s hard to fathom him stepping in and starting straight away, so Ryan ... more

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
College career – Although not a starter during his first two seasons when the Tide won national titles, he made 26 tackles with four of them for losses and was in on two sacks. As a starter last fall, he made 34 tackles, four for lost yards and had two sacks. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
College career – Although not a starter during his first two seasons when the Tide won national titles, he ... more

Photo: Leon Halip / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a block of granite who blows off the ball, then holds his ground on running plays, waiting for the action to come to him. Having played at Alabama, he has been well-coached and is used to playing in a big-time environment. The NFL Advisory Committee rated him a potential third-round pick, which is why he decided to come out early. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He’s not much of a pass rusher, but because he can slide inside in throwing situations, that’s not hugely important. The Alabama coaches, perhaps selfishly, believed he could have used another year of maturing at the college level. He tore ligaments in his knee as a high-school running back, but there doesn’t appear to be any lingering issues. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He’s not much of a pass rusher, but because he can slide inside in throwing situations, ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Antonio Smith gone, he’ll given every opportunity to win the starting job at end opposite J. J. Watt in Romeo Crennel’s base defense. Because he can play tackle, too, he’s got versatility going in his favor. He blocked a punt in college so you’ll him on special teams. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Antonio Smith gone, he’ll given every opportunity to win the starting ... more

Photo: Sean Gardner / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
College career – LSU was super-deep at running back so he was just one of the cogs, starting only seven games over three seasons. He carried 209 times for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had three 100-plus yard games. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
College career – LSU was super-deep at running back so he was just one of the cogs, starting only seven games over ... more

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a good, and good-looking, athlete who might have thrived in a different environment where he could have been a go-to back. He does everything pretty well with no obvious shortcomings and his body hasn’t been subjected to much wear and tear. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a good, and good-looking, athlete who might have thrived in a different environment where he could ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – His durability is untested because he hasn’t played that much. He missed most of the 2012 season after suffering a knee injury. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – His durability is untested because he hasn’t played that much. He missed most of the 2012 season ... more

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be given a chance to compete for the backup spot behind Arian Foster and he’ll be expected to contribute on special teams, although played only a tiny role as returner at LSU. Spencer Ware had a similar career as a Tiger and now plays a niche role for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. That’s a model Blue will likely follow. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be given a chance to compete for the backup spot behind Arian Foster and ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
College career – He began his career at Illinois, where he excelled as a special-teamer and was the primary fullback as a sophomore. After transferring to Auburn to be closer to his mother, who was dying of brain cancer, he became the regular H-back/fullback and started on three special teams. He caught a 56-yard pass against Texas A&M last fall. less

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
College career – He began his career at Illinois, where he excelled as a special-teamer and was the primary ... more

Photo: Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He was rated the best lead blocker in the draft, but this shows how minimally important NFL teams consider fullbacks these days. He’s decisive and determined and his strength makes him an effective pass protector. (Pretty good hands, too, so Texans might look at him in the passing game.) He’s got a big motor in the weight room and on the field. less

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He was rated the best lead blocker in the draft, but this shows how minimally important NFL teams ... more

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – With only 25 career carries, he offers little as a runner in the running game. He’s slow footed and ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull / Associated Press

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<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – His down-and-dirty attitude makes him the perfect special-teamer, a role he could excel in immediately. But he’ll get his shot at being the primary fullback. less

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – His down-and-dirty attitude makes him the perfect special-teamer, a role he could ... more

Photo: GM Andrews / Associated Press

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
College career – He became a full-time starter at Vanderbilt as a junior and then took his game to a higher level as a senior with 49 tackles – making 6½ behind the line of scrimmage – three picks and 18 passes defensed. He earned second-team All-SEC honors at corner both years. He also averaged 23 yards per kick return with a touchdown. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
College career – He became a full-time starter at Vanderbilt as a junior and then took his game to a higher ... more

Photo: Scott Cunningham / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a natural at the position with good balance, vision and anticipation as well as transitional quickness. He’s a nasty tackler who understands angles and leverage. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a natural at the position with good balance, vision and anticipation as well as transitional ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – Overall size, short arms and small hands could get him overwhelmed at times in the NFL. He doesn’t recover well when beat by a receiver and sometimes reacts slowly. He was never asked to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, which he’d have to do as an NFL corner. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – Overall size, short arms and small hands could get him overwhelmed at times in the NFL. He ... more

Photo: Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be prominent in the conversation as the Texans try to find a consistent kick returner and he figures to get a long look as the dime DB. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be prominent in the conversation as the Texans try to find a ... more

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
College career – He earned his first start as a true freshman against the University of Houston and wound up playing in 42 games for Memphis, intercepting only three passes with just one sack. He has five passes defensed as a senior. He had a 15-tackle game as a junior. less

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
College career – He earned his first start as a true freshman against the University of Houston and wound up ... more

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – Despite his athleticism and range frame, he didn’t distinguish himself as a playmaker, which is how he wound up being the last player drafted. His speed is mostly of the straight-ahead variety. less

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll compete for backup job with his chances of making the team directly tied to how well he performs on special teams. less

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll compete for backup job with his chances of making the team ... more